Nature & Animals in Canton Vaud
Discover the best Nature & Animals activities for children in Canton Vaud.
46 activities for children
The Île aux Oiseaux in Préverenges: birdwatching by Lake Geneva
Fancy watching birds as a family by Lake Geneva? In Préverenges, facing an artificial island, the Maison de l'île aux oiseaux and its spotting scopes let you admire hundreds of migratory birds. A free and fascinating nature outing, almost with your feet in the water.
The Bain des Dames in Saint-Prex: a swimming cove on Lake Geneva
Fancy a quiet family swim on Lake Geneva? In Saint-Prex, at the foot of the medieval old town, the Bain des Dames is a small peaceful cove: a pebble beach, a wooden platform for sunbathing and showers. A free nature stop, facing the lake.
The Gardens of Vullierens Castle: irises, sculptures and the Roi Lézard for families
Fancy a magical nature day as a family? In Vullierens, on the heights of La Côte, the Castle Gardens unfold 400 varieties of irises, giant sculptures and the « Royaume du Roi Lézard » (Kingdom of the Lizard King), a nature trail for children. All with a view of Lake Geneva and the Alps.
The Étang du Sépey in Cossonay: a nature walk in frog country
Fancy a free nature walk as a family? Near Cossonay, the Étang du Sépey reserve is home to frogs, newts and birds in a peaceful setting. An easy walk to observe the life of a pond, especially in spring.
The Sources of the Venoge in L'Isle: a nature walk along the water
Fancy a family nature walk at the foot of the Jura? In L'Isle, an easy walk leads from the castle park to the sources of the Venoge, where the water gushes from the rock. A refreshing and instructive outing, along the water.
The Canal d'Entreroches: a nature trail and its daffodils, near Eclépens
Fancy an easy family nature walk? Between Eclépens and La Sarraz, an interpretive trail runs along a 17th-century canal. In spring, carpets of wild daffodils line the path. A 3.7 km loop, free, ideal with children.
Gorges du Chauderon in Montreux: the wild hike above the lake
Looking for a real adventure for keen walkers, just steps from the lake? Above Montreux, the Gorges du Chauderon climb alongside a cascading torrent in an almost tropical forest setting. Be warned: this is not a stroll but a fine mountain hike, spectacular and refreshing, from age 7.
Tine de Conflens: waterfalls and rocky amphitheatre between La Sarraz and Ferreyres
Fancy a wild getaway just steps from Lausanne? Between La Sarraz and Ferreyres, the Tine de Conflens hides a rocky amphitheatre where two rivers meet via two waterfalls. Ten minutes' walk is all it takes to plunge into this secret corner of the Gros-de-Vaud, free and a real change of scenery.
Arboretum du Vallon de l'Aubonne: 200 hectares of nature to explore with the family
Fancy a big breath of fresh air with the children on the Vaud part of La Côte? In Aubonne, the Arboretum du Vallon de l'Aubonne unfolds nearly 200 hectares of forest and meadows, crossed by themed trails and home to more than 3000 species of tree. A nature day to be savoured at child height.
Lioson Lake at Les Mosses: easy hike and swimming at altitude
Want to take your children on their first real mountain hike? Above the Col des Mosses, Lake Lioson spreads its turquoise waters at 1850 m, in the municipality of Ormont-Dessous. A steady ascent of about 1 to 1.5 hours, a swim for the brave, and a small animal park upon arrival: the perfect alpine outing for families.
Leysin Deer Park: a free-roaming herd, with free access
Looking for a gentle encounter with animals, with no ticket or timetable to keep an eye on? In Leysin, the deer park is home to a herd of free-roaming semi-wild deer, visible all year round, free of charge. A perfect nature stop with young children.
Bex Salt Mines: a journey to the heart of the mountain by little train
And what if you took your children on a little train to dive into the heart of the mountain? At the Bex Salt Mines, the oldest salt mine still in operation in Switzerland, you can explore vast galleries hand-carved at a constant 18 °C. An unforgettable underground adventure.
